Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni provides Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi fitness updates

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has provided an update on Alexis Mac Allister and Lionel Messi's fitness ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.

The 2024 Copa America winners are preparing to return to action for the first time since losing 2-1 in their most recent qualifier against Colombia.

Scaloni is without his first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who has been handed a two-match ban for two separate incidents in the previous international.

The Argentina boss has also seen Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Gonzalez, Paulo Dybala and Alejandro Garnacho withdraw due to injury.

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Scaloni gives Mac Allister injury update

There has also been some concern over Mac Allister, who picked up an injury issue in Liverpool's Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace.

Mac Allister was replaced at half time of Saturday's 1-0 win, before he later revealed that he was forced off with a "slight discomfort".

Speaking to the media, Scaloni has admitted that the Liverpool midfielder is a major doubt for Thursday's World Cup qualifier.

"Alexis is training separately," Scaloni told reporters. "We will see if he will make it. It is difficult for him to make it to the first game, especially because of the fitness issue. We hope not to lose any more players."

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Messi set to make Argentina return

While Mac Allister is a doubt, Messi is set to return to international action after recovering from the ankle injury that he sustained in July's Copa America final against Colombia.

Messi has been working his way back to full fitness with Inter Miami, having featured in each of the club's last six MLS matches.

Scaloni has confirmed that the 37-year-old is ready to play his part in the next two matches against Venezuela and Bolivia.

"Leo is fine," Scaloni added. "He played several games before coming here. That's what he needed. He is fit and will be part of the team."

Argentina's all-time record scorer and appearance holder has scored 109 goals in 187 matches, including 31 goals in 65 World Cup qualifiers.